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Stamp Act
Was a way to get the colonists to pay for the costs of the British Empire. Taxed the colonists on things like paper, stamps, newspaper, and ships' bill of lading. Resulted in riots as well as tar and feathering. -
Townshend Acts
A series of four acts that were passed by the British Parliament as an attempt to assert authority over colonists. Resulted in making colonists angry and resenting Britain even more. Last until July 2, 1767 -
The Boston Massacre
A group of the British army was being threatened by some colonists. One of the officers shot making more officers start shooting. Resulting in five colonist's deaths. -
Boston Massacre
A small part of the British army was threatened by some colonists. One officer accidentally fired his gun cause other other officers to open fire. Resulted in 5 colonist's deaths. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of Bostonians disguised as Native Americans attacked a ship and dumped tea into the harbor to protest the tax on tea. -
Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech
Virginian Patrick Henry gives speech in a Richmond church to convince Virginian militia to fight against the British. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The war that starts the Revolutionary War. On the night of April 18, 1775, hundreds of British troops marched from Boston to Concord in order to seize an arms cache. Paul Revere and other riders sounded the alarm, and the colonists fought. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
First major battle of the Revolutionary War. It was fought in Charleston during the Siege of Boston. British wins. -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
50-page pamphlet that advocated independence from Great Britain to the people in the 13 colonies. -
Declaration of Independence adopted
Written by Thomas Jefferson and revised in committee. After the Congress recommended that colonies form their own governments. Adopted on July 4th. -
Burgoyne surrenders at Saratoga
British Major General John Burgoyne surrenders 5,00 men to the Continental Army at Saratoga, New York. A pivotal point in the Revolutionary War, preventing the British from cutting off New England from the rest of the colonies. Also the deciding factor in bringing French military support to the colonist's cause. -
France and the United States form alliance
The French had secretly furnished financial and material aid to the American since 1776. France began preparing fleets and armies to enter the fight but did not formally declare war on Britain until June 1778 -
Articles of Confederation ratified
The Articles were signed by Congress and sent to the individual states for ratification on November 15, 1777, after 16 months of debate. Maryland finally approved four years later, affirming the Articles as the outline of the official government of the U.S. -
The Battle of Yorktown
When the British army surrendered to America's army and it's French allies. The last major battle of the American Revolution and the start f a new nation's independence. -
Treaty of Paris
Ends the Revolutionary War. The land battles in America died out but the fighting continued at sea between the British and American allies. -
Shays' Rebellion
Western Massachusetts farmers attempt to seize an armory and overthrow the government. Was prompted by massive economic problems and corruption in religion. -
Philadelphia Constitutional Convention
Originally met in order to reform the Articles of Confederation. Instead the convention decided to scrap the Articles and draw up a new document which would deal with the issues facing the new nation at the time. Resulted in creating the United States Constitution. Took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787 -
First Continental Congress convenes
In response to the Intolerable Acts, the Fist Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia called by the Committees of Correspondence. -
The Federalist Papers
A collection of articles and essays created by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The goal was to convince the public to ratify the Constitution. -
The Bill of Rights
Refers to the first 10 amendments of the Constitution. The amendments deal with personal freedoms and limitations on government powers.
